The authors suggest that there are a number of shortcomings in DSM-II's
classification system for psychophysiologic disorders, which lists this
group of disorders as a distinct group of diseases different from other
organic diseases. They propose a new, multiaxial method of classification
in which the clinician could indicate the role of psychological factors in
the initiation, exacerbation, or maintenance of any physical disorder. This
method would make it possible for the first time in psychiatric
nomenclature to indicate a clinical judgment of the importance of
psychological factors in all physical disorders rather than focusing on a
small group of illnesses traditionally regarded as psychosomatic or
psychophysiologic.Abstract Teaser